Retha Shelby

Mother Retha Shelby, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 17, 2018 at approximately 9:00 p.m. at home surrounded by her husband, Elder James Shelby, son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Hazel Foster. Mother Shelby was born in Morton, Mississippi on July 8, 1930. She received Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Holy Hill C.O.G.I.C. under the pastorage of Elder D.R. Curry. Mother Shelby was united in Holy Matrimony with Elder James Shelby in Morton, Mississippi with their sons, Troy Lott and Charles Foster. Elder and Mother Shelby, and their sons moved to Lima, Ohio in circa 1955. They joined Mt. Olivet C.O.G.I.C. in Lima, Ohio and served there for many years under Pastor Elijha Webster. In obedience to the Lords call, Elder and Mother Shelby founded St. Luke C.O.G.I.C. in Lima, Ohio in circa 1980. Many souls were saved under their leadership. Mother Retha Shelby was a home-maker and a servant! She and her husband served faithfully in feeding and receiving traveling pastors, evangelists and missionaries in their home. They were known for their compassionate expression of serving, counseling, and helping the saints as well as those in the city of Lima, excluding none. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband, Elder James Shelby; son, Pastor Charles (Hazel) Foster; daughter-in-law, Susan Lott; five sisters, Equilla Manning, Lillie (Bernard) Rivers, Daisy Boyd, Mae Ruth Montgomery, and Ada Mae McClain; one brother, Willie White; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; her nieces and nephews; and a host of other loving relatives and caring friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; father, Homer Jones; mother, Allue Chambers; son, Troy Lott; two sisters, Delores White, and Vickie White; and one brother, Billy White. Although she is dearly missed by her loved ones, celebration takes place for the fact that she is at peace with her Creator in her heavenly home. Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at Mount Olivet Church of God in Christ, 920 S Euclid Ave, Dayton, OH 45417 with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Final arrangements entrusted to the care of the Jerry W. Kinley Funeral Home.